Home Security Directory

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Paris Hilton’s home in Beverly Hills was burglarized last week, and authorities have determined that the perpetrator most likely was familiar with the property. The thief was so quick and able to find the valuables without much damage that it is quite possible he or she knew exactly where to look.

This breaking news is a great reminder to all homeowners that we can’t always trust everyone to enter our home. Even when we are present, it is possible that a visitor could be taking mental notes about the layout and contents of your home.

Granted, there are times when we must allow strangers in our home. When an appliance repairman or utility technician appears for a house call, there are some precautions you may take.

Always note the vehicle the technician arrives in. If the company’s name is not visible, try to get a license plate number and description of the vehicle. However, many technicians are subcontracted through other companies and might not drive a clearly marked vehicle.

Note any identification badges, uniforms, and identifying paperwork the technician presents. If there is any doubt at all that they should be in your home, call the company directly prior to allowing them to enter. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and they will typically be more than happy to assist you.

Try to remove any items of value from the area where the technician will be working. This will help to prevent any second guessing if the items are misplaced in the future!

Do not leave your home while the technician is still present. Delay all of your activities that are not absolutely necessary until after your needed repairs are performed.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask the technician questions. If they seem to not be educated about what they are supposed to be doing, this could be a warning sign. You should also inquire as to what they are doing if they begin to wander around your home.

When having parties and get-togethers at your home, special attention should be paid to who is on the “invite” list. Your home is a very intimate setting, and those you choose to invite into it should not be taken lightly.

Perhaps Paris Hilton’s home was burglarized by someone who performed services at or attended a party in her house. However, it could have been a frequent visitor who Paris considered a trusted friend. The lesson here is simply that we should pay very close attention to anyone we allow into our homes.

That being said, the majority of technicians who come to provide a service in your home are well established and respectful of your property. It’s simply a good idea to ensure that they are who they claim to be.

Installing a home security system, which is something Paris didn’t do, will also help to thwart break-ins and ill-willed visitors. Without the proper security code, even those who are severely familiar with your home and personal property will not be able to access your home undetected.